Project Profile: Siemens Mireo Plus H Hydrogen Train Deployment

The Siemens Mireo Plus H project represents a landmark deployment of hydrogen fuel cell-powered rolling stock on non-electrified routes across Germany. This initiative demonstrates a scalable, zero-emission alternative to diesel-electric multiple units, integrating advanced fuel cell technology with proven rolling stock platforms to decarbonize regional rail networks. The project’s success is defined by its operational efficiency, rapid refueling capabilities, and a collaborative framework involving manufacturers, operators, and government bodies.

Technical Specifications

The core of the project is the Mireo Plus H rolling stock, a hybrid multiple unit combining a hydrogen fuel cell drive with a lithium-ion battery. The propulsion system delivers a traction power of 1.7 MW, enabling a top speed of 160 km/h and acceleration comparable to standard electric multiple units. Each trainset is equipped with two roof-mounted fuel cells, developed in partnership with Ballard Power Systems, and an underfloor battery pack. This configuration provides a nominal range of 800 km for a two-car unit and up to 1,000 km for a three-car consist on a single tank of hydrogen.

Energy efficiency is maximized through a lightweight, aerodynamic aluminum monocoque construction and a regenerative braking system that recovers kinetic energy into the battery. This stored energy is deployed during peak power demand, such as acceleration, reducing the load on the fuel cells and optimizing hydrogen consumption. A critical operational component is the hydrogen infrastructure, featuring a rapid refueling system co-developed with Siemens Energy. This allows a complete refueling in under 15 minutes, ensuring high availability and seamless integration into existing timetables. Maintenance is centralized at specialized hubs, such as DB Regio’s Ulm workshop, which has been upgraded to service hydrogen-powered systems.

Key Takeaways

• Decarbonization of Non-Electrified Lines: The Mireo Plus H provides a technically mature and economically viable solution for replacing diesel fleets, avoiding the high capital expenditure and environmental disruption of installing overhead catenary systems on regional routes.
• Benchmark for Operational Performance: With a range of up to 1,000 km and a refueling time of less than 15 minutes, the project establishes hydrogen as a practical energy source for demanding regional rail services, matching the performance and availability of conventional trains.
• Successful Collaborative Model: The project’s realization demonstrates the effectiveness of a multi-stakeholder partnership uniting technology providers (Siemens, Ballard), infrastructure experts (Siemens Energy), government funding (BMVI), and public transport operators (DB, BRB, NEB) to accelerate green technology adoption.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the Siemens hydrogen trains start running in Germany?

The Siemens Mireo Plus H hydrogen trains began phased commercial operations in Germany during 2024. This followed a period of successful testing that commenced in 2023 on networks in Baden-Württemberg. Key operational routes include Tübingen-Horb-Pforzheim, the Augsburg-Füssen line, and the Heidekrautbahn network in Berlin-Brandenburg.

Who builds the Mireo Plus H hydrogen train?

The Mireo Plus H hydrogen train is designed and manufactured by Siemens Mobility. The development was a collaborative effort, with Ballard Power Systems providing the advanced fuel cell technology and Siemens Energy contributing to the creation of the efficient hydrogen electrolysis and refueling infrastructure.